A simple preparation of Aryl Methansulfonates by Thermal Decomposition of Dry Arendiazonium o-Benzendisulfonimides in Methane Sulfonic acid

Aryl methanesulfonates (18 examples) were easily prepared by thermal decomposition of dry arenediazonium o-benzene-disulfonimides in methanesulfonic acid. The reactions were carried out at temperatures between 60 and 120 °C for times between 0.5 and 8 h. The aryl methanesulfonates were obtained in reproducible yield of 70-90%, with few exceptions. In all cases the o-benzenedisulfonimide could be recovered in good yields which can then be reused to prepare the salts. When thermal decomposition of salts was carried out in trifluoromethanesulfonic acid at 90-120 °C for 1-2 h, aryl trifluoromethanesulfonates were obtained in 73-78% yield (3 examples).